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In response to the
http://www.clintoncountydemocrats.org
October 1,
2007
HOPE IS ON THE WAY
Only 477 days left!
COMING EVENTS
THE PATH OF NONVIOLENCE
Sunday, October 7 -- 1:00-4:30 P.M.
at the
Sponsored by the Sisters of Saint
Francis and the
and featuring Jesuit Priest Father
John Dear
international voice for Christian
nonviolence.
For more information go to the following
website: www.clintonfrancisans.com
Tuesday, October 23 6:00 – 9:00
P.M.
at Remington’s in the Frontier
Motor Inn
double bubble 6-7 pm—free hors d’oevres—costume
contest—scary tunes—50-50 raffle
ALL
DEMOCRATS ARE WELCOME!
CAUCUS TRAINING
Saturday, November 3 – 10:00 A.M.
Supervisors’ room in the
The training session is open to
everyone who would like to attend.
THIRD ANNUAL BRUCE, BLUES & BBQ
Sunday, November 4 in
Sunday, November 11 in
Sunday, November 18 in Waterloo with
Senator Barack Obama (?)
MEET OUR
PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN STAFFERS
Hi!
My name is Katie Berry and I’m the rural
HOW
THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS WORKS
If you belong to or know of groups
that would like to have a speaker explain how the Democratic caucuses work please
contact Jean Pardee, Clinton County Democrats’ Chair by phoning 242-9111
or by email jmpardee@mchsi.com
ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF INCOMPETENT
APPOINTMENTS: On October 3, 2005 President George
W. Bush nominated a personal friend and White House Counsel, Harriet Miers, to
replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Miers had no judicial experience and had
argued only seven appellate cases.
LETTER
FROM SENATOR TOM HARKIN TO ONE OF OUR MEMBERS
I appreciate you
taking the time to contact me to express your concerns with the Medicare
prescription drug program. As you may know, I opposed the Medicare
Modernization Act of 2003, the legislation that created the new prescription
drug plans. I opposed this measure for a number of reasons, among them
the fact that the federal government was barred from negotiating lower
prescription drug prices for beneficiaries.
As
you know, Medicare beneficiaries choose between dozens of competing
prescription drug plans operated by insurance companies. There are over
40 different plans in
In
January 2007, the House approved H.R. 4, the Medicare Prescription Drug Price
Negotiation Act by a strong, bipartisan vote of 255-170. This legislation
repeals the clause in the Medicare Modernization Act that prohibited the Secretary
of Health and Human Services from negotiating lower prices for Medicare
beneficiaries. In the coming weeks, the Senate will take action on this
issue. Through this process, it is my hope that we can make the Medicare
prescription drug plans more affordable and allow direct negotiation with the
drug industry for lower prices.
If you or someone you know has questions or concerns regarding the Medicare
prescription drug plans, please feel free to contact any of my state
offices. You may also wish to make use of the resources provided by
Medicare and the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).
Medicare has provided tools to aid seniors and their families on their website
at www.medicare.gov or by calling
1-800-MEDICARE. Another important resource for questions about how the
Medicare prescription drug plans work is the SHIIP program, which provides free
information and counseling to seniors and caregivers. To contact SHIIP
please call 1-800-351-4664 or log on to their website at www.shiip.state.ia.us.
Again, thank you for contacting me to express your concerns with the Medicare
prescription drug plans. Rest assured, I will continue to advocate for
necessary improvements in Medicare prescription drug plans to better serve
Sincerely, Tom Harkin, United States Senator.
To contact me please log on to my website at http://harkin.senate.gov/.
MAY PEACE PREVAIL ON EARTH
"’The stranger who dwells among
you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself;
for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.’
The New Sanctuary Movement is a light in the darkness, water in the
desert. We need to model what it means not just to give the minimum but to
treat immigrants like citizens and love them like we love ourselves." --Reverend Frank Alton of Immanuel
Presbyterian Church in
http://www.clintoncountydemocrats.org
October 5,
2007
COMING
EVENTS
THE PATH OF NONVIOLENCE
Sunday, October 7 -- 1:00-4:30 P.M.
at the
Sponsored by the Sisters of Saint
Francis and the
and featuring Jesuit Priest Father
John Dear international voice for Christian nonviolence.
For more information go to the
following website: www.clintonfrancisans.com
Sunday, October 7 – 10:45 A.M.
Senator Edwards will share his plans for ending the
war in
Monday, October 8
-- 7:00-8:30 P.M.
Please join Iowa Speaker Pro Tempore Polly Bukta with special guest Presidential Candidate and U.S. Senator Joe Biden at a house party to discuss the important issues facing our country at the home of Patrick Johnson and Cheri Canier, 1800 Deer Creek East, Clinton
EVERYONE
WELCOME!
Tuesday,
October 16 – 7:30 P.M.
The
We hope that all precinct
representatives will be there.
All visitors are welcome.
Tuesday, October 23 6:00 – 9:00
P.M.
at Remington’s in the Frontier
Motor Inn
double bubble 6-7 pm—free hors d’oevres—costume
contest—scary tunes—50-50 raffle
ALL
DEMOCRATS ARE WELCOME!
CAUCUS TRAINING
Saturday, November 3 – 10:00 A.M.
Supervisors’ room in the
The training session is open to
everyone who would like to attend.
THIRD ANNUAL BRUCE,
BLUES & BBQ
Sunday, November 4 in
Sunday, November 11 in
Sunday, November 18 in
HOW
THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS WORKS
If you belong to or know of groups
that would like to have a speaker explain how the Democratic caucuses work please
contact Jean Pardee, Clinton County Democrats’ Chair by phoning 242-9111 or by
email jmpardee@mchsi.com
MEET OUR PRESIDENTIAL STAFFERS
Jane Miller: “My name is Jane Miller, and I am an
organizer for the John Edwards campaign in
DID GEORGE
W. ACTUALLY APPOINT A COMPETENT DIPLOMAT?
“The man whose testimony may be the most
important may not be Petraeus, the anticipated star of the show, but the other guy,
Crocker, a much admired diplomat who has spent his entire career in the region.
If Petraeus has seen some victories, Crocker has known nothing but defeat in
his dealings with the failed government of Nouri al-Maliki—dealings that mostly
involve trying to get the Shi'ites to treat the Sunnis fairly and stop fighting
among themselves. As a result, Crocker may have a better handle on the most
important questions facing the
“Crocker seems constitutionally averse to grand
strategies attempted by outside forces. ‘One thing I learned a long time ago is
you don't go into someone else's complicated society fully armed with your own
preconceptions.’ Crocker is the antithesis
of the ideologues who provided the intellectual rationale for the
“Indeed, the Arabist version of Realpolitik
raises the essential question about
GREAT IS THE GUILT OF AN UNNECESSARY
WAR.
---President John Adams---
“George W. Bush is the most stubborn and cockiest guy I have ever met in
my life. I disagree with the President on the war in
http://www.clintoncountydemocrats.org
October
12, 2007
COMING
EVENTS
Saturday, October 13 -- 8:30 A.M. – 3:30
P.M.
GIVE EARTH A CHANCE:
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
The Earth Charter is a declaration of
fundamental principles for building a just, sustainable and peaceful global
society in the 21st Century. Utilizing music, arts, enlightened speakers,
workshops, panel and discussion groups, the Quad City Earth Charter Summit will
bring people together to raise awareness, provide education and encourage
actions to implement Earth Charter principles.
For more information about this summit please visit:
www.quadcityearthchartersummit.org or visit the
Sisters of St. Francis of
Tuesday,
October 16 – 7:30 P.M.
The
We hope that
all precinct representatives will be there to help guide and build the County
organization.
We will
be discussing the date and choosing a major speaker for the Hall of Fame
Dinner, the November 3 Caucus training, a delegate alternate change for the
District and the quarterly
Wednesday, October 17 – 6:00 p.m.
JOHN EDWARDS CAMPAIGN COMMUNITY ACTION MEETING
Come to a chili cook-off dinner at the Clinton County Democratic headquarters. The winner of the Chili Cook-Off will win a prize from the official Edwards store. All who bring a dish will have a chance to win a prize as well! The get-together will be a great opportunity to meet Edwards’ supporters from across the County, get an update on the campaign from the campaign staff and enjoy a hearty, home cooked meal. All are welcome and invited!
Tuesday, October 23 6:00 – 9:00
P.M.
at Remington’s in the Frontier
Motor Inn
double bubble 6-7 pm—free hors d’oevres—costume
contest—scary tunes—50-50 raffle
ALL
DEMOCRATS ARE WELCOME!
No one can claim to be
compassionate while voting against
or vetoing healthcare
for vulnerable children.
--The Sisters of Saint Francis--
MORE DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
Thursday, October 18
-- Noon -- Sensible Priorities event at
Saturday, October 20
First Congressional District meeting in
Saturday, November 10
Jefferson Jackson Dinner at Veterans Auditorium in
HOW THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS WORKS
If you belong to or know of groups
that would like to have a speaker explain how the Democratic caucuses work please
contact Jean Pardee, Clinton County Democrats’ Chair by phoning 242-9111
or by email jmpardee@mchsi.com
CAUCUS TRAINING
Saturday, November 3 – 10:00 A.M.
Supervisors’ room in the
The training session is open to
everyone who would like to attend.
THIRD ANNUAL BRUCE, BLUES & BBQ
Sunday, November 4 in
Sunday, November 11 in
Sunday, November ___ in
MEET
OUR PRESIDENTIAL STAFFERS
John
Keig is the field organizer for the City of
LIBERALISM PROMOTES SOLID SOCIAL
SECURITY, UNIVERSAL
HEALTH CARE AND A BALANCED BUDGET
Did
You Know….
Top private-equity and
hedge fund managers made more in 10 minutes than average-paid
In answer to a question concerning the Bush Administration's
claim that negotiating with our enemies weakens
http://www.clintoncountydemocrats.org
October 22, 2007
Former Lt. Gov. of
COMING EVENTS
Tuesday, October 23 6:00
– 9:00 P.M.
at Remington’s in the
Frontier Motor Inn
double bubble 6-7 pm—free hors
d’oevres—costume contest—scary tunes—50-50 raffle
ALL DEMOCRATS ARE WELCOME!
CAUCUS TRAINING
Saturday, November 3 – 10:00
A.M.
Supervisors’ room in the
The training session is open to
everyone who would like to attend.
THIRD ANNUAL BRUCE, BLUES & BBQ
Sunday,
November 4 in
Sunday, November 11 in
Sunday, November 18 in
Saturday, November 10
Jefferson-Jackson Dinner at Veterans
Auditorium in
MEET OUR PRESIDENTIAL STAFFERS
Eric
Zoberman: Eric
who is originally from
Justin
Daniels:
Justin is the field organizer for
HOW THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS WORKS
If you
belong to or know of groups that would like to have a speaker explain how the
Democratic caucuses work please contact Jean Pardee, Clinton County
Democrats’ Chair by phoning
242-9111 or
by email jmpardee@mchsi.com
TEN FACTS ABOUT THE
1. You must be 18 by November 4, 2008 to
vote at the January 2008 caucus.
2. You can register to vote at the caucus.
3. You must register as a Democrat to vote at the Democratic caucus.
4. If you are not registered as a Democrat prior to the caucus, you
can re-register as a Democrat at the caucus.
5. There aren’t absentee or proxy voting at the caucus.
You must
attend to vote.
6. A typical caucus lasts about two hours.
7. There is no fee to participate in the caucus.
8. Caucus locations will be in your precinct or ward, but some rural
caucuses may be in a nearby township school.
9. Caucus registration begins on January 14th at 6:30 P.M. and no
voting will occur before 7:00 P.M. The
date may change to an earlier time in January.10
10. Your caucus location will be printed in your local newspaper
and
on the Iowa
Democratic Party website which has a link on the Clinton County
Democrats’
website: http://www.clintoncountydemocrats.org
THE RIDCULOUS COMEDY OF THE MITT
ROMNEY CAMPAIGN
Mitt Romney
seems to be joining the Republican lemmings who are abandoning the Bush family
yacht and attempting to escape responsibility for the failed Republican
administration of the Bush /Cheney gang. Mr. Romney has run numerous
ads touting his independence from the Republican Party of George W. Bush and
promoting change. Yet, he claims to be a conservative. He should
check Webster’s Dictionary where it defines a conservative as one who
opposes change. Mr. Romney is carrying on the traditional style
Republican campaign of hurling insults at his opponents, but proposing no
specific programs. He doesn’t mention health care, environmental
programs, balancing the Federal budget, an energy program or education.
His speeches are filled with time worn and inaccurate slurs hurled at the
Democrats. Recently he declined to take part in a public forum on
minority rights held at
Obama Campaign Announces
The Obama
campaign is announcing a 21-member leadership committee that will take an
active role in guiding and participating in the campaign’s outreach efforts
in
The
committee includes:
Frank Wood
of Eldridge, State Senator representing Scott and
Charlie
Sheridan of Clinton, Clinton County Auditor; Grant Wilke of Clinton,
Clinton County Supervisor; Jerry Bopp of Wheatland, Mayor of
Wheatland; Connor Anderson of Clinton;
Bill
Bicksler of Clinton; Lindra Bicksler of Clinton, Women for Obama chair;
Justin Davis of Clinton, CCC and Ashford Students for Obama chair; Nan
Holst of Delmar; Jeanne Judge of Clinton; John Melvin of DeWitt, Veterans
for Obama chair; Janine McClimon of DeWitt;
Steve
McClimon of DeWitt; Pat Mooney of Clinton; Sharon Mooney of Clinton;
Laura Renault of Clinton; Simone Renault of Clinton, Clinton High School for
Obama chair; Myrna Weller of Camanche; Jan Wilke of Clinton; Wanda Wyatt
of Clinton; Doug Yegge of DeWitt.
"Putting Safety First"
means not attacking countries without provocation and under false pretenses;
finding intelligent alternatives to dealing with terrorism other than wiping
out innocent civilians; and reinforcing the principles of a democratic society,
the things that made America great and admired throughout the civilized world
so that the global community is on our side.”
--Michael Valente, Laguna Beach, Calif. in U.S. News & World Report 8-13-07--.
http://www.clintoncountydemocrats.org
October 30,
2007
CAUCUS TRAINING
Saturday, November 3 –
10:00 A.M.
Supervisors’ room in
the County Administration Building
The
training session is open to everyone who would like to attend. Since we are expecting a very large turn out
for the January 3 caucuses, it’s important that our precinct committee people
have the training necessary to make every caucus a success. It’s the best opportunity we’ve ever had to
build the Democratic Party and elect Democratic candidates who will carry out
the principles and values of our Party to make this a nation of the people that
is respected and admired throughout the World.
COMING EVENTS
Coffee and Conversation with Governor Bill Richardson
Friday, November 2 at 8:15 A.M.
Shelly’s Diner -- 911 11th Street in DeWitt
THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
THIRD ANNUAL BRUCE, BLUES & BBQ
Sunday,
November 4 in
Sunday,
November 11 in
Sunday,
November 18 in
Saturday, November 10
Jefferson-Jackson
Dinner at Veterans Auditorium in
I’M PROUD TO BE A LIBERAL
Ø Liberals got women the right to vote.
Ø Liberals got African-Americans the right to vote.
Ø Liberals created Social Security and lifted millions of elderly people
out of poverty.
Ø Liberals ended segregation.
Ø Liberals passed the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act.
Ø Liberals created Medicare.
Ø Liberals passed the Clean Air Act and the Clean Water Act.
Ø What did Conservatives do? They opposed every one of these things...every one! So when you try to
hurl that label at my feet, 'Liberal,' as if it were something to be ashamed
of, something dirty, something to run away from, it won't work, Senator,
because I will pick up that label and I will wear it as a badge of honor."
-- Matt Santos, The West Wing
DEMOCRATIC
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Despite Republican attempts to block progress at
every turn, Democrats accomplished more in the first six months of 2007 than
the Republicans accomplished in the past six years. Democrats will work to make
our country more secure, change course in
Because
Democrats kept their promise to the American people, hard-working families and
our brave troops got a much-deserved pay raise. Despite attempts by Republicans
to block common sense legislation, Democrats provided millions of low-income
children with the health care they deserve and just passed the 9/11 Commission
recommendations.
Even with Republicans fighting us at every step, Democrats have
passed:
Ø
funding to
ensure first responders have the tools they need to do their jobs and enhance
security at our airports, ports and mass transit facilities
Ø
a raise in
the minimum wage for the first time in a decade
Ø
health care
for millions of low-income children
Ø
pay-as-you-go
budgeting that restores fiscal responsibility to
Ø
tough
ethics and lobbying reforms reversing the Republican culture of corruption
Ø
energy
legislation that creates jobs and strengthens national security
Ø
a pay raise
for our troops
Ø
improvements
to the care our veterans receive when they come home from battle
Ø
legislation
that makes higher education affordable for more Americans
Ø
funding to
help rebuild the
Ø
The
Democratic-led Congress implemented the 9/11 Commission recommendations making
our country more secure against terrorist threats. While President Bush
and his Republican allies ignored the bipartisan recommendations, Al Qaeda
began to rebuild and Osama bin Laden remains on the loose.
Ø
We could accomplish more if Republicans were
not blocking progress at every turn. Just last month, Republicans voted to block
legislation that called for troops to be redeployed out of
Ø
Issue after issue, Americans trust Democrats
over Republicans. For example, recent polls show voters trust Democrats more than
Republicans on national security issues by 42% to 40%.
The above information
has been supplied by the Democratic National Committee.
DEMOCRATS